The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827 eBook

In the Christian revelation, there is an evident purpose
of infinite wisdom, that in all the provisions for
man’s salvation, his moral agency should be
left free and uncontrolled. Instead of accommodation
to human prejudices, there is ample scope for captious
objections. And if additional proof were needed,
of the divine origin of the Bible, it would be found
in this characteristic. Were it a system agreeable
to the narrow views, in unison with the selfish feelings,
and gratifying to the depraved taste of human nature,
it would more resemble the fabrication of man, than
the workmanship of God. But as the current of
its doctrines is so entirely opposed to our natural
inclinations, as to render a moral renovation indispensable
to a perception of the glory of revealed truth; all
such ground of skepticism is removed.

Thus the obscurities and difficulties of revelation
are admirably adapted to exhibit human character,
and constitute this state of existence a real probation.
For if the light of truth came upon the mind with
resistless energy, and the operations of the divine
government were clearly disclosed; if the motives
and designs of infinite wisdom were fully explained,
and the realities of the spiritual world completely
laid open to view; one principal aim of this dispensation
would be frustrated. On the one hand, there would
be no field for the exercise of faith and humble confidence
on the part of Christians; and thus a precious test
of their submission and obedience would be destroyed.
On the other, there could not be a full disclosure
of the true feelings of the unrenewed heart.
Because, as all would be evident as the noon-day sun,
there would remain no choice in the matter of embracing
the truth—­no means of evincing whether
its reception were cordial or compulsory.

In this respect; there is displayed a matchless skill,
as well as a gracious condescension, in adapting revelation
to the actual character and condition of our race.
While sufficient light is afforded to guide the sincere
inquirer, there is an obscurity to perplex and offend
the proud and self-confident. While the truth
is accompanied by evidence abundantly satisfactory
to every mind open to conviction, enough of mystery
remains, to form an impassable barrier to those who
are inclined to disbelieve the testimony of God.
While to the eye of faith there appears a glorious
system of wisdom and mercy, depraved reason and prejudice
may discover little else than an assemblage of inconsistencies
and absurdities.

It is not without design, then, that the great facts
of revelation are made liable to misrepresentation;
that its essential principles are arrayed against
the pride of human wisdom; and that its blessed institutions
are so obnoxious to abuse and opposition. Such
a constitution of things is evidently intended to
furnish a decisive criterion of human character—­to
exhibit, in striking contrast, the humble votaries
of faith, who reverently bow to the authority of Scripture;
and the adherents of a haughty, self-confident rationality,
who will receive the testimony of God himself, no farther
than it accords with their opinions and prejudices—­and
thus to elicit a fair and full manifestation of every
man’s real disposition and feelings.